Nigeria Honours Bill Gates with CFR Award for Philanthropic Contributions
By Usman A Harande
In a grand ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, President Bola Tinubu conferred the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award on Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist. The award recognizes Gates’ tireless efforts in lifting the poor and underprivileged worldwide, particularly in Nigeria.
President Tinubu expressed his deepest gratitude to Gates for his unwavering commitment to humanity, citing his remarkable interventions in maternal health, agriculture, and infectious disease research. “Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world,” the President said, adding that Gates’ work inspires leaders globally.
The Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted Gates’ long-term involvement in Nigeria’s national development, noting that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has invested over $2 billion in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and the digital economy. Pate credited Gates’ efforts, alongside Aliko Dangote, for mobilizing traditional rulers to support immunization programs, which ultimately led to significant progress in polio eradication.
In his acceptance speech, Gates expressed his honor and gratitude to the President and the people of Nigeria. He acknowledged the incredible team at the Foundation and reaffirmed his commitment to improving Nigeria’s health sector. Gates highlighted notable achievements, including the reduction of child mortality rates and the rollout of HPV vaccines to protect young girls from cervical cancer. He also pledged to continue investing in efforts to eradicate malaria and reduce malnutrition in Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Aliko Dangote, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo, and executives of the Gates Foundation. The event underscored the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with a shared goal of transforming lives and building a healthier future for all Nigerians.
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